There are now 183 states parties to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 (in this chapter, ‘the Convention’). Even for the handful of non-parties, the Convention now represents an authoritative statement of the law, and as such is relied on heavily by the International Court of Justice. Nevertheless, the manner in which the Convention is interpreted and applied can vary to some degree from state to state. All members of diplomatic missions and their local legal advisers therefore need to familiarise themselves with the practice and procedures of the receiving state, which will often publish guidance.

(In this chapter, references to specific Articles are to those of the Convention, unless otherwise indicated.)

Since diplomacy is the means by which a state conducts relations with other states, the Convention plays a crucial role by regulating the establishment of permanent bilateral diplomatic missions to represent the interests of the state and the protection of its nationals, and the privileges and immunities accorded to missions and their staff to give them the necessary freedom and security to carry out their work.